Brimonidine topical gel

What is this medicine?

BRIMONIDINE (bri MOE ni deen) is used on the face to reduce redness caused by rosacea.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning sensation of the skin

• facial flushing

• skin redness or irritation

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• medicines that cause drowsiness or tiredness

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Buerger's disease

• depression

• heart disease

• irritated skin or open sores

• Raynaud's phenomenon

• scleroderma

• Sjogren's syndrome

• an unusual or allergic reaction to brimonidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

If anyone, especially a child, accidentally swallows this medicine, they may have serious side effects and need to be treated in a hospital. Get medical help right away if anyone swallows this medicine and has lack of energy, trouble breathing or stops breathing, a slow heart beat, confusion, sweating, restlessness, muscle spasms, or twitching.